By Gordon Durich
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/30/25 – In this new world where everything seems to be all about “AI,” it’s almost refreshing to discover “XY,” a provocative new film with a simple title and a powerful plot. Stephan Fleet and JL are directors and stars respectively, of the intense drama, which made its debut at the 2025 Dances With Films Festival LA, at the TLC Chinese Theatre, Hollywood.
Quite the enchanting duo, Fleet and JL also teamed up as writers of this raw confronting work. After the premiere, they talked with The Hollywood Times, from Toronto.
“I want to tell really good stories”, said Fleet, “I’m queer- pansexual- by identification and am drawn to that community.”
A social commentary on trans rights, “XY” also addresses toxic masculinity and transphobia.
JL Perkel plays “X” opposite Dominic Burgess as “Y,” a repressed convenience store clerk, in a story set in middle America, where the two polar opposite characters meet- changing their lives forever- at Club Z, a local bar, making things even more alphabetically interesting. “I took over the role and infused it with my own flair,” shared J.L., adding her character was based on a mutual friend of her’s and Stephan’s.
Obsession, vanity, fear and sexuality penetrate the small world the short’s central characters inhabit. But also, they represent universally relatable themes. Stephan Fleet, who hails from a background of visual effects, as supervisor on Amazon’s “The Boys,” said he wanted to make a film sans effects, but instead with great storytelling and acting. “XY” is also an homage to the trans community.
Foxtrot Entertainment and Raise the Steaks Productions.
